Beyoncé's B'DAY is the best gift I've ever given myself!

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Beyoncé was born on September 4, 1981, as the eldest daughter of Matthew Knowles and Tina Knowles. At around age seven, she attended dance school and joined the choir. She eventually formed the super girl group "Destiny's Child," which reigned supreme in both name and reality. She is the group's lead vocalist and producer, taking the initiative in both musical and business matters. The albums of "Destiny's Child" sold a total of 50 million copies worldwide. Her 2003 solo debut album, "Dangerously in Love," sold over 11 million copies worldwide and won five Grammy Awards, more than any other female artist. As an actress, every film she has appeared in has consistently been a No. 1 hit. This year, she will star in the lead role of "Dreamgirls" (scheduled for release in Japan in early spring 2007).

This time, "Work and Me" made an emergency appearance at the "Beyoncé Japan Visit Joint Press Conference" held by Samantha Thavasa and Sony Music Japan on Saturday, September 3rd!!

Beyoncé, the greatest heroine of all time, visited Japan to promote her new album, "B'DAY." Beyoncé, the lead singer and producer of the globally-conquering super girl group, "Destiny's Child," had a lively discussion about her new album, "B'DAY," Samantha Thavasa & Samantha Tiara's new fall/winter collection, and fall/winter fashion trends!

How do you feel about coming to Japan after such a long time?

"Despite the flight being delayed, many fans were waiting for me at the airport. I am filled with gratitude to all my wonderful fans."

What is the meaning behind the title of your new album, "B'DAY"?
"My American fans call me 'B' as a nickname. Also, in America, birthday is called 'B'DAY,' so I named it 'B'DAY', combining the two meanings."

What kind of album is this for Beyoncé, "B'DAY," which was released on her birthday, September 4th?

"I think 25 is the most special and wonderful age for a woman, and this album is the best I've ever done. It's a wonderful gift from myself to myself."

How do you usually spend your birthday?

"I usually spend my birthday eating with family and friends, but yesterday after the MTV Awards America, I had a big party. My mother made me some gumbo soup, and drinking gumbo is always the best part of my birthday!"

Is it true that B'DAY booked multiple record studios simultaneously, working 24/7, had multiple producers on hand, and recorded multiple songs simultaneously?

"To tell you the truth, I worked on this album in three different studios at the same time, working with a variety of producers to create a variety of songs, and I think that energy was brought together to create this album."

What do you think of Samantha Thavasa's Fall/Winter collection?
"I love them all. I especially like the gold one. It's elegant and can be used in a variety of situations. Of the three shown in the front, I like the red one the most. The metallic color can be worn casually or dressily, and it's really great because it makes you look elegant! It goes well with both red carpet and jeans, and because it's small, you can wear it for special occasions too!

What are the points to consider when choosing an item?
"I always try to choose things that make me feel comfortable and confident."

A word to the fans.
"I'm so grateful to the Japanese fans who have been supporting me passionately for the past nine years, since my days with Destiny's Child. Thank you so much!!"

Beyoncé, the world's leading diva, will continue to be a sight to behold!

From the August 2006 issue of the Student Newspaper